Mariangela Melato was an Italian film and theatrical actress who died on January 11, 2013. Her stage career began in the 1960s. Her debut film role was in Pupi Avati‘s Thomas e gli indemoniati (1969). She appeared in many memorable films during the 1970s, which were considered her golden years, and she received critical acclaim for her roles in films such as The Seduction of Mimi (1972), Love and Anarchy (1973), Nada (1974), Swept Away (1974), Todo modo (1976), Caro Michele (1976), and Il gatto (1978). Melato has appeared in numerous English-language films, including Flash Gordon (1980). She died at the age of 71 from pancreatic cancer.